What Is a Tropical Depression?

Introduction to Tropical Depressions

Tropical depressions are common weather disturbances that frequently occur in the tropical regions of the world. They are significant causes of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides, and can have severe impacts on life and property. However, despite their frequency, many people do not fully understand what tropical depressions are, how they form, and what their impacts are. In this article, we will explore what tropical depressions are, their characteristics, how they form, how they are named, their impacts on weather and climate, and how they can be tracked and forecasted. We will also look at some notable tropical depressions and what we can learn from them.

Table of Contents

Definition and Characteristics

A tropical depression is a low-pressure weather system that forms over tropical and subtropical waters. It is characterized by sustained winds of less than 39 miles per hour, and a closed circulation of clouds and thunderstorms around a center of low pressure. Tropical depressions are the earliest stage of tropical cyclones, and they can intensify into tropical storms and hurricanes if the conditions are favorable. They are also known as tropical lows, tropical waves, or easterly waves.

Formation and Causes

Tropical depressions form when warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface and cools, condenses and forms clouds. This process releases energy, which causes the air to rise further, creating a low-pressure area. The rotation of the earth causes the air to spiral inward, creating a counterclockwise circulation in the Northern Hemisphere and a clockwise circulation in the Southern Hemisphere. The warm ocean water provides the fuel for the storm, and the Coriolis force causes the storm to spin faster as it intensifies.

Tropical depressions can form anywhere in the world’s tropical oceans, but they are most common in the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean, where the water is warmest. They occur most frequently between June and November, during the hurricane season in the Atlantic, and from November to April in the Southwest Indian Ocean.

Differences between Tropical Storms and Depressions

Tropical storms are the next stage of tropical cyclones after tropical depressions. They are characterized by sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour and a closed circulation of thunderstorms around a center of low pressure. They have stronger winds, more intense thunderstorms, and a more organized structure than tropical depressions. Tropical storms can cause significant damage and loss of life, especially in coastal areas.

Tropical depressions are usually weaker and less organized than tropical storms. They have lower wind speeds and less intense thunderstorms, but they can still cause heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides. Tropical depressions are a warning sign that conditions are favorable for the development of more severe storms, and it is essential to monitor and prepare for their impacts.

How Tropical Depressions are Named

Tropical depressions, like other tropical cyclones, are named to help with communication and tracking. In the Atlantic and the Eastern North Pacific, tropical depressions are named from a pre-determined list of names maintained by the National Hurricane Center. The names are assigned in alphabetical order, alternating between male and female names. Once a name is used, it is retired and replaced with a new name. In the Western North Pacific, tropical depressions are named by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Impacts on Weather and Climate

Tropical depressions can have significant impacts on weather and climate, both locally and globally. They can cause heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and storm surge in coastal areas. They can also contribute to the global water cycle by transporting large amounts of moisture from the ocean to the land. Tropical depressions in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific can also affect weather patterns in the United States and Canada, while tropical depressions in the Western Pacific can affect weather patterns in Asia.

Tracking and Forecasting Tropical Depressions

Tracking and forecasting tropical depressions is essential for mitigating their impacts. The National Hurricane Center, the Japan Meteorological Agency, and other meteorological agencies around the world use a combination of satellite data, aircraft reconnaissance, and computer models to track and forecast tropical depressions. They issue advisories, watches, and warnings to inform the public and authorities of the potential impacts of the storm.

Preparing for a Tropical Depression

Preparing for a tropical depression involves taking measures to protect life and property. It is important to have a plan in place before the storm arrives, including evacuation routes, emergency supplies, and communication methods. It is also essential to secure homes and buildings, trim trees and branches, and clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding. Following the advice of authorities and staying informed of the storm’s progress is critical for staying safe during a tropical depression.

Case Studies: Notable Tropical Depressions

There have been many notable tropical depressions throughout history, some of which have had significant impacts on life and property. One example is Tropical Depression Harvey, which formed in 2017 and brought record-breaking rainfall and flooding to Texas and Louisiana. Another example is Tropical Depression Etau, which formed in 2015 and caused severe flooding and landslides in Japan, leading to dozens of deaths and significant damage. These case studies highlight the importance of understanding and preparing for tropical depressions.